08/20/2002 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Minutes of 8/20/2002 Joe Schaerfl, 25046 Doe Drive. On the discussion of the crossing guards, he asked what ' the cost of adding back the guards that are being eliminated would be. Mr. Gareau said the cost of replacing the school guazds is approximately $29,104. Mr. Schaerfl's second question would be: for $29,000, what would be the legal responsibility to the city if a child was injured? The Law Director said he is not going to answer that question because the issue is safety. He is not going to say because there is not a lot of liability exposure, that we don't have to look at the safety. It is a pure safety issue and it should not be considered whether or not the city can afford a lawsuit. Mr. Schaerfl asked what would be the reaction if a child were injured or killed at a crossing where the guard had been removed? President O'Grady said the reaction would be'the same as his, they would feel terrible. Mr. Schaerfl said, for $29,000, this really isn't an issue. Mrs. Kasler said last evening at the committee meeting regarding the transfer of money to address the deficit, she suggested that there be a reduction in certain areas of the city in order to accommodate the safety issues such as crossing guards and auxiliary police. She intends to introduce an amendment to the ordinance that would hopefully address that issue. Mr. Gazeau said one of the issues he would like to sce addressed is why the school district can't help out in regard to paying for the crossing guards. We just had a very emotional, drawn-out, four-election levy and we've arrived at the point where North Olmsted has its hands tied financially. We aze going to do the best we can to maintain that crossing guard level. But when asked for assistance, the school board said no. It bothers him as a resident that that can't be taken more seriously by them. Mr. Schaecfl asked what percentage the amount for the school guards would be of the total budget. Mrs. Copfer said the actual amount being reduced is $34,000. She said the budget is $18 million, so it would be very small. President O'Grady said, if Mr. Schaerfl meant what percentage of the school budget, the city cannot commerrt on that because the schools are a separate governmental agency. Mayor Musial said he would write a letter to the school board regarding the issue of funding the school guards. Mr. Miller said the city should look to what vehicles are being driven home. Mr. McKay said he did not think the city has responsibility for accidents. A person who causes an accident would be the first to be in court. A driver has the responsibility to drive a car safely. Mr. Limpert said the schools are adjusting their busing schedules, but he ogees that the schools could give more help. Mr. Dailey said he would encourage Mr. Schaerfl to have a dialogue with St. Richard's if he is concerned about that crossing area. Ann Whitney, 4540 Cazsten Lane, expressed concern that nobody told the parents that the crossing guards had been eliminated. LEGISLATION Resolution No. 2002-94 introduced by Mayor Musial was given its third reading. A resolution authorizing the payment of twenty-seven thousand three hundred twenty dollazs and forty-six cents. ($27,320.46) to Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP for legal services rendered in connection with the termination of the USEPA consent decree. Councilman McKay moved for adoption, and the motion was seconded by Councilman Limpert. The motion passed with six yes votes and one abstention from Councilman Gareau. (Councilman Gareau explained that his wife, Kazla Rogers, was an attorney with 15